Sounders FC has still yet to play a match at full strength since it signed three new players last month, but Saturday’s game was the latest example of its star power and what the club is capable of down the stretch this season.
Designated Players Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins both scored for the Rave Green, guiding Seattle to a crucial 2-1 win over Toronto FC. The Sounders have won three of their last four matches and ended the weekend in fourth place in the Western Conference. The San Jose Earthquakes, who are also fighting for a playoff spot in the West, lost 2-1 to the Philadelphia Union on Saturday but FC Dallas defeated Columbus Crew SC and moved into the third playoff position.
Seattle will now play three straight road matches, starting next weekend at San Jose. Here’s what Assistant Coach Brian Schmetzer – who took over the head coaching duties with Sigi Schmid away due to a health-related issue – and his players said after Saturday’s game.
Brian Schmetzer:
“Was the game the prettiest game? No. But the fact of the matter is what wins championships is grit and determination, and a little bit of good defending and timely goals. We have a combination of all those things, and I was really pleased with the effort the group showed tonight. For the record, that group is a tight-knit group and they are doing it for themselves. They all work hard from day one in preseason up to the last game of the season. They are a very committed group to each other and the influx of players has raised the level. It is a good group and I can’t say enough of how proud I am of their effort tonight.”
Osvaldo Alonso:
“We talked about it before the game: ‘We have to get three points, and it doesn’t matter how. At the end of the day, we have to walk away with the three points.’ And we did it. I’m happy for the team and for the players who gave everything they had. …This year we have to make the playoffs and win the championship. To make that happen, we have to take it step by step.”
Clint Dempsey:
“We’ve just got to keep fighting as a team and keep getting sharp. We didn’t get a clean sheet, but it was good that we were able to make it difficult for them. Stefan made some big saves. And for us to score goals, that’s what we need to do. If we can keep it tight in the back, keep creating chances in the attacking third and keep getting good looks in front of goal, I think we’ll always have a chance to do well.”
Brad Evans:
“We’ve got to know that we’re still fighting for our lives here. Any result could send us skyrocketing or we could find ourselves below the red line, so that’s the reality of being in a tight conference. Knowing the situations of other teams, we’ve still got to pick up our points. … Hopefully we’ll get a few more results and some momentum, and find ourselves in the playoffs.”
